Christian Science came into my life about a year ago, and...

T. A. Fitch

Christian Science came into my life about a year ago, and since then has wrought such a radical change in me that I can truly affirm that it surely heals, if sincerely and diligently followed. Reared by Christian parents, I went to Sunday school like other children, but at length rebelled against the incongruity of the teachings expounded. I recall asking my teacher why the miracles of the Bible did not occur today, but there was no satisfactory answer. I therefore dropped from church and religious life, and my parents had nothing better to offer me. With this religious vacuum, if I may use the phrase, I turned my energy to education, to the natural sciences, and on them started to build my structure of life. I studied and became proficient in several branches, and was content with my store of self-gained knowledge, little realizing that I was building without knowing the basic Principle, the very foundation of all else,—that of Truth, or good.

So this Babel-tower grew, then ceased to grow, then tottered. My life structure was nearly wrecked by breakdown, by mental strain, nervous exhaustion, and a gloom that seemed unfathomable. Constantly losing ground, I groped in the darkness for a something on which to build aright, for a relief from the oppression which was now manifest mentally, morally, physically; but I used the wrong weapons, for I tried will-power, dogged determination, and sharp sarcasm. I made no progress. On the surface, as if by mockery, I appeared a happy man.

Life at this stage had become despicable. Link after link of the false chain gave way. My eyes almost failed me,—to face direct artificial light was impossible, and to read by it, as I readily do now, not to be considered. It is, however, darkest just before the dawn. The light came slowly; it was a genial warmth, and was called Christian Science. Just as any growing thing reaches out for sunshine and light, so I reached for this truth, new to me. I was first drawn to Christian Science through reading an adverse article, a libelous one. By its very vindictiveness I was convinced that an injustice had been done, so I handed the article to a Christian Scientist, and the fair, unruffled comment given in reply made me resolve to look further into the subject.

Then when I began really to study, I received a caution which may be of benefit to others. I was asked to read Science and Health not to find fault, as was my custom, but to find good; not to analyze and dissect, but to synthesize the thoughts gained. So then I, who was used to picking flaws, sought Truth, Life, Love, and found them,—found them in Science and Health, in every Christian Science service, and in the reflection of these same gracious qualities from every sincere Christian Scientist. The darkness and gloom disappeared. My understanding of God, good, increased, and all else followed. Eyes that should see, do so; weak heart action has become strong. Nerves that used to make me quail, now do as they are bid. Thoughts that used to wander are now in right channels. From pessimism to optimism, from fear to fearlessness, from discouragement to confidence, from breakdown to bounding health, from a god of gold to a God of good,—this transmutation of life has come in about a year.

There must have penetrated my words something of the gladness I feel,—something of the gladness that comes from understanding. And others are glad that I am glad. Better yet, those countless others who are needing the energizing touch of this glad new life, can find and are finding it daily in Christian Science.—T. A. Fitch, Los Angeles, Cal.

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